Vusi Mahlasela was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and spent his childhood listening to the elderly men of his village sing traditional songs. After teaching himself to play music on a homemade guitar, he developed a reputation as a gifted singer-songwriter. Mahlasela’s powerful lyrics and beautiful melodies have made him a leading figure in contemporary South African music.

Already a household name in South Africa, Vusi came onto the American music radar screen when he lent his talents for the music soundtrack for Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part-Harmony, the celebrated film about the importance of music in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. Vusi\'s unique brand of folk music fuses American melodic and lyrical structures with traditional South African rhythmic guitar licks and percussive strumming.

An active figure in South Africa\'s political struggle since 1981, Vusi carefully tempers the the musical exuberance he creates with an urgent political message. His songs portrays stories of the violent oppression that fueled apartheid, and reminds us that although South Africa has much to celebrate many troubles remain. As South Africa continues to face persistent problems, it is encouraging to see people like Vusi doing more than their part to carry the burden.

Learn more about this artist at: www.vusimahlasela.com">

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Vusi Mahlasela
Southern Africa
South Africa
Vusi Mahlasela (C2003) Sean Barlow
Vusi Mahalasela is best summized as "The Voice" of South Africa". Introduced to American audiences from a performance on the soundtrack for "Amandla". Read more on Vusi Mahlasela...
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